Plate
PeriodCirca 1810
Place MadeEngland
MediumEarthenware
Dimensions0.63 × 5.5 in. (1.6 × 14 cm)
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of J. B. Morris, Jr., 1957
Object number1979.501.241
DescriptionA small white earthenware plate with shallow molded edge with blue feathering. A simple, bold transfer print of a turkey with "Turkey" just below the bird's beak in plate's center. The plate is simply marked with a pressed asterisk or star on the verso.Curatorial RemarksEnglish potteries created countless types of ceramics for the export market. One of the popular subtypes of these export ceramics were marketed directly for children. Plates, cups, and other pieces featured simple, brightly colored pictures that would appeal to children. This "Turkey" plate, one of many featuring animals and other wildlife, were produced by a number of English pottery factories. The central image of the turkey was produced through the use of transfer printing. First developed in the 18th century, transfer printing allowed the replication of a particular design repeatedly, without the use of hand painting. The image would be created either on a wood block or a steel plate, then colored with the selected tones and shades. A sheet of tissue paper would be placed atop the image, then pressed to transfer the color to the paper. The sheet would then be carefully placed on the ceramic item, with the glaze color transferring to the surface. Sometimes the tissue wrinkled or tore, with the resulting imperfections visible once the item was completed.
Collections
Geoffrey & Co.
Rowland & Marsellus Co.
